Symbolic Meaning

In my work of dream analysis, I do a lot of research to find the original or real meaning behind many of the archetype and common symbols that are in use today. Interestingly enough, many of the meanings behind the symbols we associate with today, were not originated by the perceived source that we have been led to believe. Most of us don’t question the given interpretation of a symbol offered by the ‘authorities’ but we ought to inquire about its initial definition because they have changed, sometimes radically, over time. Ancient symbols have been used, reused and misused throughout history.


Here are some examples of ancient symbols and their meanings:

The Swastika has become associated with the corrupted power of Hitler and Nazi Germany. However, the swastika is an ancient symbol. It has been found scratched on Siberian clay figures from the Neolithic period, found as decoration on American Zuni-Indian pottery, on the foot of Buddha as a magic sign and on 7th century statues and pots from the Aegean.

“The swastika actually represents the cross: the Great Mother’s body and her outstretched arms, the directions. The swastika means ‘earth in flight;’ the cross with feet or wings, set in motion. Later, the swastika came to represent the moon-wheel then, changed to signify the sun-wheel: like the double crescent (the Labrys), it indicated both directions of the cosmic spin: into creation and dissolution.” (Sjoo & Mor)

The early connotation of the Cross represented the earth, the Goddess of creation. The cross divides the four directions of the universe. Later, the vertical line came to symbolize ascension of spirit into Light and the descent of the Spirit into the human microcosm. The horizontal line indicates the temporal existence of mankind on earth. For the past two thousand years, Christianity has copied the symbol to represent their religion.

The Cosmic Snake derives from the original Goddess cosmology. It represents wisdom, immortality and continuity within change, the heart center, the cosmic energy. Combined with the world tree, found everywhere in Neolithic agricultural people, it symbolizes the garden of abundance. It reflected agricultural concerns of the ancient people. The serpent, by shedding its skin, incorporated being reborn in the spring, growing and changing. At least 2 thousand years before the Hebrew patriarchs wrote the “Garden of Eden” story, the serpent was powerful, magical, life-giving and implied peaceful abundance.

Today, in most cultures not associated with the negative twist presented by Christianity, the serpent is recognized as positive, powerful and epitomizes life, rebirth and illumination.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When you give away your integrity to the control of others, you are led in circles, without ever going anywhere.” tc

Master of Despair

Unfortunately, there are a lot of pessimistic people walking around with an attitude that gives the impression that they are always looking for the negative to happen. They appear to delight in misery happening to others and revel in the pain and downbeat aspects of modern life. Sometimes, I admit, that I want to just shake them and say, “Open your eyes and look around at the beauty of life. Pull yourself together and enjoy.” Of course, I don’t. I know that their misery will eventually lead them to light but why do they have to drag everyone else down with them?

I think that these type of people resemble a bear. They growl, curse, pace and ponder, until they become restless enough to leave the cave and emerge into the light. It is important to remember that behind it all, is a deep rooted Fear of who they are and who they are not.

The Wisdom of Buddha is quoted as saying,

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.”

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When one is low enough, sad enough and lonely enough….they will begin to seek the Truth, which resides in the Light.” tc